Brits across the country headed outside to catch a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse on Wednesday evening, but some were left unimpressed, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment.
Mixed reactions on social media
On X, @SekouMaraLover said: "Was that it? That was the big solar eclipse? Least impressive thing I've ever seen. What a waste of valuable time." Another person penned: "I remember the 1999 eclipse. That was an anticlimax too."
Another X user wrote: "This eclipse is probably the biggest disapointment since the millenium bug." A fourth person added: "This eclipse is overrated... meh".
Impressive views in some areas
Despite the grumbles, the Met Office highlighted eight locations across the UK where people could expect impressive views, including Plymouth, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, London, Inverness, Edinburgh and Newcastle. In some areas, more than 90% of the sun was obscured by the moon, starting from 6.17pm.
At Land’s End, the UK’s most southerly point, crowds fell silent in awe as 98.5% of the sun became covered by the moon. Hundreds gathered on a cliff top overlooking the Channel and the Celtic Sea, with many having travelled from far and wide to witness the first eclipse in nearly three decades.
Cloudy conditions and high demand
Some people were unable to see the eclipse due to cloudy conditions. Demand for specialist eclipse glasses soared ahead of the event, with shops and online retailers across the country selling out as people scrambled to safely watch the spectacle.
In Iceland, a total eclipse was seen, with NASA sharing footage capturing the dramatic moment totality began as the Moon moved fully in front of the Sun.
